When the release date was changed at the last minute, it seemed like a mission impossible in itself.

Having been brought forward from Christmas, no doubt to avoid clashing with a certain other tiny little Christmas release about the Force waking up or something, it seemed a genuinely impossible for the latest chapter in the M:i franchise to make its summer release date, especially since it was still filming earlier this month! With the clock ticking, writer/director Christopher McQuarrie, who previously worked with Cruise on Jack Reacher (and whose film history includes winning an Oscar for his Usual Suspects screenplay and writing/directing the underrated gem, Way of the Gun), tweeted "That's a Wrap" just a few days ago.

Adopting the subtitle, Rogue Nation, the film formerly known as Mission: Impossible 5 follows suit after the last entry's 'Ghost Protocol' titling, and further continues the themes established too. Although the preview trailer doesn't give much away - there's also a slightly longer one released today which gives us a tasty teaser of what's to come, as Cruise's Ethan Hunt returns, and his IMF team come under threat once again.

Taking the loose concept from the original TV series, Rogue Nation brings back the classic anti-IMF group, The Syndicate, who are the Mission: Impossible equivalent of something like Bond's SPECTRE. From the preview it looks like The Syndicate are back and intent on destroying the IMF, and that Hunt's new mission is to shut them down. With some energetic bike sequences (we last saw Cruise/Hunt racing/shooting in Woo's superbly over-the-top second chapter) and a suitably ominous threat of malevolent forces out to get our heroes - as well as Cruise's Hunt, once again, captured and behind enemy lines - McQuarrie's fifth entry may well be the best yet.

And with the closing shots - and the poster - we are once again reminded of one of the lynchpins of the series that nearly lost its greatest asset, and reminded of the commitment he brings to this franchise: Cruise holding on for dear life as an Army transport plane takes to the air, with him hanging on from outside. What's so amazing about this? Nothing, other than the fact that Cruise actually did it. Star Wars may own Christmas. Avengers may own the Spring. But it looks like Rogue Nation is going to take over the Summer. Bring on July 31st.

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